University System News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Stellar Georgia college graduates eager to achieve new goals
By Eric Stirgus
The graduating class of 2021 has had to adapt more so than any group of students in recent memory. For more than a year, they’ve taken some or all of their classes online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The shift forced major changes in classroom instruction. There were fewer lab sessions and office hours with professors. There were often poor internet signals that disrupted online learning. They missed their friends. Despite those challenges, and others, they graduated. …The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently interviewed graduates from some of the region’s colleges and universities who emerged as leaders or impressed campus administrators. We met a student who won an Emmy. Another worked at a local hospital comforting COVID-19 patients. One student got her bachelor’s degree at the age of 73. Here are their stories:
Columbus CEO
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Graduates Three CSU Scholars
The Southwest Georgia LSAMP Alliance, part of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, recently celebrated three Columbus State University STEM scholars who will continue their education in graduate school. Jordan Lyons, Shyrisse Ramos, and Isabelle Rodriguez all earned bachelor of science degrees in Chemistry at CSU. Next, they will each begin PhD work on full ride scholarships. …LSAMP is a National Science Foundation initiative that seeks to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who complete science, technology, engineering and mathematics baccalaureate degree programs and matriculate into programs of graduate study.
Patch
University Of Georgia: Student’s Journey To Medicine Begins With Georgia Possible
UGA program helps Clarke County students develop leadership skills, career interests
Since she was 2 years old, Tiffani Richardson has had her sights set on becoming a medical professional. Whether an obstetrician, a registered nurse or what her younger self called a “baby doctor” (pediatrician), UGA’s Georgia Possible program is giving her the tools and skills to turn her lifelong dream into a career.
Valdosta Today
VSU partners with Atlanta Gas Light to launch $12K program
Atlanta Gas Light Foundation Supports VSU’s African American Male Initiative
Valdosta State University has partnered with the Atlanta Gas Light Foundation to help encourage more African American males to pursue higher education and earn a college degree. The Atlanta Gas Light Foundation presented a $12,500 check to the university Tuesday morning. Those funds will support scholarship opportunities for students in VSU’s African American Male Initiative, a program designed to increase retention, progression, and graduation rates among African American males at VSU.
WRDW
CSRA colleges, universities getting nearly $45 million in COVID aid
By Staff
Colleges and universities in the CSRA will be getting nearly $45 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan. It’s among more than $1.1 billion going to higher education institutions across the Peach State. At least half of the funds must go directly to student aid as young people and families continue to endure displacement and economic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. …In the CSRA, the money includes:
…Augusta University: $17.6 million, of which $8.8 million must be used for student grants.
East Georgia State College: $9 million, of which $4.7 million must be used for student grants.
GrowingGeorgia
Stephens County High School FFA Wins Agricultural Issues LDE at ABAC
Stephens County High School will be Georgia’s representative in the Agricultural Issues Leadership Development Event (LDE) at the National FFA convention this fall after turning in a stellar performance at the first ever event of its kind at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Dr. Frank Flanders, Associate Professor of Agricultural Education at ABAC, said the Stephens County team “performed very well and will be highly competitive as it represents Georgia in national competition.”
Other News:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coronavirus in Georgia: COVID-19 Dashboard
Latest stats and the news on the coronavirus outbreak
Q: What is the latest on confirmed and probable coronavirus cases in Georgia?
892,151 TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES
1,118,308 TOTAL INCLUDING PROBABLE CASES
Q: What is the latest on coronavirus deaths in Georgia?
17,869 TOTAL CONFIRMED DEATHS
20,591 TOTAL INCLUDING PROBABLE DEATHS
Higher Education News:
Inside Higher Ed
A Tumultuous Year Closes With Celebration
Whether in person or virtual, colleges and universities try to make this year’s commencements joyous.
By Lilah Burke
As summer approaches, the season brings with it a spree of graduations, honors and ceremonies. For some, in-person graduations may represent the hope that the pandemic is finally ending, even as new and confusing guidance around masking complicates safety procedures. Colleges with virtual ceremonies have engineered creative solutions to make students feel honored on their special day, though those events may still underscore to somehow far there is left to travel. Many colleges and universities have completed their graduation ceremonies by this point or will be completing them this or next weekend.